Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB4554

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the training requirements for surveyors of certain long-term care facilities.

Impact

The implementation of HB4554 is designed to improve the oversight of long-term care facilities by ensuring surveyors are well-trained prior to conducting inspections. Supporters of the bill argue that the increased training and observation requirements will lead to better care for residents in these facilities, as more knowledgeable surveyors are likely to identify issues and ensure compliance with state regulations effectively. This could result in improved safety and care standards within Texas long-term care facilities.

Summary

House Bill 4554 aims to enhance the training requirements for surveyors responsible for inspecting long-term care facilities in Texas. The bill specifies that a surveyor must complete a basic training program before they can conduct inspections, surveys, or investigations of these facilities. A crucial aspect of this training is a hands-on observation period, which requires surveyors to observe the operations of a long-term care facility for a minimum of 10 working days within a 14-day timeframe. This addition is intended to ensure that surveyors are adequately prepared for their roles in maintaining compliance standards in the state's long-term care sector.

Contention

The bill does include a provision that allows the Texas Department of Human Resources to waive the observation requirement for surveyors who have been employed in a long-term care facility within the last five years. While this waiver is intended to streamline the process for experienced surveyors, some stakeholders may view it as a potential weakening of the training standards designed to enhance the competency of surveyors. This could raise concerns regarding the adequacy of training for those entering the field or transitioning from other roles.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4694

Relating to training required or offered by the Health and Human Services Commission for long-term care facility surveyors, personnel, and providers and ICF-IID program providers.

TX HB1673

Relating to training requirements for staff members of certain assisted living facilities that provide care to persons with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.

TX SB1242

Relating to training for employees and operators of certain child-care facilities.

TX HB1469

Relating to personnel training requirements for nursing facilities and assisted living facilities that advertise an Alzheimer's care unit or memory care unit.

TX HB4191

Relating to changes to certain long-term care facilities' essential caregiver policies and procedures.

TX SB2450

Relating to training requirements for and prohibited discrimination by child-care facilities and registered family homes.

TX HB54

Relating to the personal needs allowance for certain Medicaid recipients who are residents of long-term care facilities.

TX HB1593

Relating to infection prevention and control programs and other measures for communicable diseases at certain long-term care facilities; authorizing an administrative penalty.

TX SB1629

Relating to the regulation of certain nursing facilities, including licensing requirements and Medicaid participation requirements.

TX HB2526

Relating to the personal needs allowance for certain Medicaid recipients who are residents of long-term care facilities.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.